Materials and Design

Enhanced Polyethylene - the process of modifying the plastic material used as a bearing surface so it can last longer. Polyethylene has a lower wear rate than standard polyethylene. Wear rate is one of the main reasons that hip implants fail and it is an important factor in determining the longevity of hip replacement.8,9

Metal - used to create femoral heads, which are used to replace your diseased hip ball. Metal, with a polyethylene liner, is the most commonly used bearing surface in hip arthroplasty today.

Ceramic - a non-metallic substance that is derived from alumina oxide. Ceramic-on-ceramic ball-and-socket replacement has a very low wear rate and is typically used for younger and more active patients.

Implant Materials

There have also been improvements made to the materials used for hip femoral implants.

Titanium - the material used in many hip stems, which has been shown to promote bony ingrowth and allows some flexibility in the implant to mimic natural bone. An advanced manufacturing method increases the strength of the titanium material.

Cobalt Chrome - typically used for cemented hip stems and has a long history of success.